we are unclear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are unclear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a lack of understanding or ambiguity regarding a particular topic or situation. Example: "After reviewing the report, we are unclear about the next steps we should take."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

We are unclear at this juncture as to the programme's capital and revenue costs.

The Guardian - Business

"We are unclear when he will be fit to resume," said Blues chief executive Richard Holland.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is absolutely not our approach and we are unclear as to what this claim is based on.

The Guardian

We are uncertain in our ultimate aims, and we are unclear whether those aims can be reached.

The New York Times

All too often we are unclear about what we require students to extract from their experiences – and this needs to change.

The Guardian

"Given that this is currently additional funding available only to children from disadvantaged backgrounds who meet very specific criteria, we are unclear as to why this money has been factored into the general three- and four-year-old rate.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

We're unclear.

The New York Times

"They stopped us advertising a few weeks ago and we were unclear why.

The Guardian - Tech

"We're unclear about this," a spokeswoman for the central bank, Chen Xiaoming, said.

The New York Times

"We were unclear on timing and wanted to be sure we covered our bases," McFadden said.

The Washington Post

One held up a sign saying, "We're Here, We're Unclear, Get Used to It".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are unclear", ensure the context clearly specifies what the lack of understanding pertains to. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we are unclear" without specifying what exactly is unclear. For instance, instead of saying "We are unclear", specify "We are unclear about the project's objectives."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are unclear" functions as a declarative statement expressing a lack of understanding or certainty. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various contexts, confirming its role in conveying ambiguity or a need for further clarification.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

50%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are unclear" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a lack of understanding or certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across various contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia. Although not exceedingly common, its use is generally appropriate in neutral to formal registers. Consider alternatives such as "we are uncertain" or "we lack understanding" for variety. When using "we are unclear", ensure you clearly specify what the uncertainty pertains to for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are uncertain

Uses "uncertain" as a direct synonym for "unclear", indicating a lack of sureness.

we are unsure

Substitutes "unclear" with "unsure", conveying a similar sense of doubt or uncertainty.

we do not understand

Rephrases the lack of clarity as a lack of understanding, using a more direct construction.

we lack understanding

Replaces "are unclear" with "lack understanding", focusing on the absence of comprehension.

we are perplexed

Replaces "unclear" with "perplexed", indicating a state of bewilderment or confusion.

we have doubts

Expresses the uncertainty as having doubts, shifting the focus to the presence of skepticism.

our understanding is limited

Indicates a restriction in comprehension, highlighting the incomplete nature of understanding.

we haven't grasped

Implies a failure to fully comprehend or seize the concept.

we are in the dark

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a complete lack of awareness or understanding.

clarity eludes us

Presents a more formal and indirect way of saying that understanding is lacking.

FAQs

How can I use "we are unclear" in a sentence?

Use "we are unclear" to express a lack of understanding or certainty about something. For example, "We are unclear about the next steps in the process".

What can I say instead of "we are unclear"?

You can use alternatives like "we are uncertain", "we are unsure", or "we lack understanding" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we are unclear" or "we are not clear"?

"We are unclear" and "we are not clear" are generally interchangeable, but "we are unclear" might sound slightly more formal or nuanced.

What's the difference between "we are unclear" and "we are confused"?

"We are unclear" suggests a lack of understanding or information, while "we are confused" suggests a state of mental bewilderment. Being confused implies a more active state of not being able to make sense of something, whereas being unclear simply indicates a lack of clarity.